MIDFIELD

Marco Rojas, Melbourne Victory

After leaving Victory in 2013, he failed to break in to VfB Stuttgart’s first team. Following two loan spells, he returned to the A-League and once again showed the talent that had him move overseas in the first place.

Scoring 13 goals in 25 appearances for Victory, no one managed more assists than he did either. He was an attacking weapon for Melbourne and in combination with James Troisi, created several chances for his fellow forwards.

Often one to showcase his excellent skills, his neat tricks and close control were often on show as was his blistering pace down the right wing. He often caught out defenders and with a forward line as strong as Victory’s, often found or set up a goal.

Victory were known for their clinical finishing this season and Rojas was more clinical than any of his team mates, having a higher shooting accuracy than Besart Berisha. He conceded just 16 fouls all season (compared to James Troisi’s 65 fouls conceded) and wasn’t given a card at any point during the season.

His influence on the team was only positive, adding exciting pace and skill to the game. He contributed to 23 of Melbourne’s 49 goals and never went more than three games during the regular season without scoring or assisting a goal.

His return was a welcome site for many Victory fans at the start of the season and their enthusiasm was rewarded with Rojas marking his influence on every single game.

 

Thomas Kristensen, Brisbane Roar

While the efforts of Joshua Brillante and Brandon O’Neill have been praised all season, it is Thomas Kristensen who has been the quiet achiever. Providing a key role in the heart of Brisbane’s midfield, he was heavily involved in both defence and attack.

Capable in the midfield, he also dazzled in front of goal, scoring some stunning goals for Brisbane. His four goals for the club this season made him the club’s fourth best scorer (above Tommy Oar and Thomas Broich) but it was his distribution that set him apart from the rest.

He put in almost 1,200 passes throughout the season and was gifted a contract extension in January thanks to his fine form. If he sees out his new deal, the Danish midfielder will be with the club until 2019 and many Brisbane Roar fans will be excited to see him in seasons to come.

He has been one of the strongest players in defence, winning more tackles than any of his team mates and showing he is an enforcer in the midfield.

One of the brightest performers at Brisbane this season, he performed with consistency and played a key role in Brisbane securing third spot.